Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Austin Peay
Volleyball sweeps Austin Peay in final day of Memphis Invite
08/25/2012 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 25, 2012
By Robin Thuringer
SIUSalukis.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn.-- The Southern Illinois volleyball team swept Austin Peay in the final day of competition Saturday at the Memphis Invitational.
The Salukis (2-1) returned with confidence Saturday as they took on Austin Peay (1-3). SIU jumped out ahead early holding the Lady Govs to a six-point lead. Austin Peay battled back to force the set to a one point game but the Salukis pulled away holding a lead to win set one 25-14.
"The girls came out ready to compete at a high level and were really prepared to do so," said SIU head coach Justin Ingram.
SIU held the same rhythm in the second and third sets controlling the match never allowing Austin Peay to take a lead. The Salukis claimed the last two sets 25-16, 25-21.
"It is always great when you can jump out early and take a lead," said Ingram. "It gives you confidence and allows some room for those errors that you will have."
Southern was led by senior attackers Laura Thole who notched 19 kills on the day to post a .567 hitting percentage and Alysia Mayes who posted an impressive .750 hitting percentage tallying 13 digs in the match.
"Laura and Alysia were big contributors, they had a low amount of errors with a high amount of kills," Ingram said. "That really made it difficult for Austin Peay to defend, and that is what you want."
Jessica Whitehead also knocked in 13 kills to contribute to the shut down of Austin Peay.
Amy Drabant continued to shine in her opening weekend as a Saluki. The sophomore transfer added 47 assists to aid in the Saluki win.
"You have to give credit to Amy Drabant for being able to set up so many opportunities for our hitters, and finding ways to get them the ball." said Ingram.
"Ending the weekend 2-1 is a good way to start, it definitely gives us confidence moving forward."
The Salukis will continue their non-conference play when they travel to St. Louis University next weekend to compete in the Billiken Invitational.
